Chapter 57: Zhao Wutian Breaks Defenses on the Scene!
“Be careful!”
As soon as these words fell, the four women quickly retreated, leaving Zhou Tong standing alone.
Qian Miaoyu looked around, feeling nothing amiss, and couldn’t help but admire Zhou Tong even more.
He truly was a born Supreme; even his perception could cover the heavens and the earth, something she couldn’t compare to even if she tried.
“Your Majesty!!”
A familiar voice soon followed, it was Zhao Wutian’s call.
“Not good, Zhao Wutian has seen your portrait, he will recognize you.”
Only then did Qian Miaoyu recall last night’s scene, her face turning pale involuntarily.
If she angered Zhou Tong, all her efforts would be in vain.
“It’s fine, just introduce me normally; he won’t recognize me.”
“Is that true?”
Qian Miaoyu was skeptical, but soon Zhao Wutian descended from the sky, coming before the two.
“My apologies for arriving late to protect you; I bear the sin!”
As soon as Zhao Wutian landed, he spoke anxiously, though his face did not show much reverence.
“Thanks to the Grand Preceptor’s concern, I am safe. There’s no need for formalities.”
After the polite exchange, Zhao Wutian’s gaze immediately fell upon Zhou Tong.
“Who are you?”
He frowned, feeling that this youth looked somewhat familiar.
Zhou Tong said nothing, but Qian Miaoyu stepped forward and said, “Thanks to this gentleman’s rescue, I have safely escaped from danger. From today onwards, I shall appoint him as a Guest Senior; Grand Preceptor must not treat this lightly!”
As soon as this was said, Zhao Wutian’s pupils constricted.
There was no doubt that Qian Miaoyu was a domineering Empress, not allowing anyone to stand on equal footing with her throughout the entire empire.
Because of this, she had never appointed a Guest Senior before; why would she break the rules today?
“I have met the Guest Senior!”
Zhao Wutian scrutinized Zhou Tong but could not see the latter’s level of cultivation, which made him a bit agitated.
“Since you could save Your Majesty, you must be quite a strong warrior. Please forgive this old man for being blunt; may I ask what your current cultivation level is, Guest Senior?”
Zhou Tong gave a cold smile and immediately released his aura.
“First Level of Heart Unification Realm!”
Zhao Wutian’s expression changed, followed by a look of disdain surfacing in his eyes.
He hadn’t even crossed the Transcendent Divide; he was merely an ant.
“Your Majesty… this person’s strength is somewhat…”
He hesitated, implying that Zhou Tong was not worthy of being a Guest Senior.
But to his surprise, Qian Miaoyu not only did not despise Zhou Tong but showed an expression of great admiration instead.
He truly was born a Supreme; even hiding his cultivation level could be done so effortlessly—what terrifying control!
“This Guest Senior is truly extraordinary; I greatly admire him. With you by my side, I have no worries!”
As soon as these words were spoken, Zhao Wutian was instantly caught off guard.
Is this a joke? He was merely a First Level of Heart Unification Realm; not only could he be crushed by Qian Miaoyu, but even she could easily eliminate him. What was there to admire?
In an instant, he unleashed a powerful aura directed at Zhou Tong.
This was both a show of force and a test.
“The Grand Preceptor must not be rude!”
Qian Miaoyu’s face changed dramatically; wanting to stop it was already too late, she could only let Zhou Tong bathe in the overwhelming aura.
However, facing such might, Zhou Tong maintained a calm smile, as if he felt nothing.
“How is that possible?”
Zhao Wutian was shocked; there was no way a mere First Level of Heart Unification Realm could withstand his aura unless the other party possessed a secret treasure, or had hidden their cultivation level.
“You are quite impressive!”
Zhou Tong said lightly, closing the distance as he gently patted Zhao Wutian’s shoulder.
Then, he leaned closer and spoke in a voice only the two could hear: “Those bold enough to manipulate the Array of Lively Stillness are still very few!”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Wutian trembled violently, his eyes filled with extreme terror.
“How… how do you know…”
His heart raced, unable to mask his fear.
No one knew his plan; he intended to gather powerful warriors under the guise of an auction and then use the Array of Lively Stillness to sacrifice them all to fulfill his own Grand Dao.
Yet this young man could easily see through his plans—who exactly was he?
“Unfortunately, this array is only 90% complete and still carries great risk. If…”
Zhao Wutian listened closely, but Zhou Tong abruptly stopped speaking, leaving him in suspense.
“Your Majesty, the Grand Preceptor seems to have business to attend to; let’s leave for now.”
Zhou Tong looked at Qian Miaoyu and said.
“Okay, recently the bandits have been rampant; the Grand Preceptor should take care as well. I will return to the palace first.”
With that, the two walked side by side toward the imperial palace.
“Whew, whew, whew…”
Zhao Wutian gasped for breath, sitting down heavily on the ground.
Having held high office for so many years, it was the first time he felt his pants soaked with sweat.
The Array of Lively Stillness was his greatest secret. If leaked, no matter how strong he was, he would become a public enemy, and at that time, even nine lives wouldn’t be enough.
“Who exactly is this person? Why can’t I see through him? Is he really an old monster disguised as a youth?”
“But judging by his tone, it seems he didn’t expose my thoughts; perhaps he is a friend and not an enemy. It’s best not to provoke him too much.”
He muttered to himself, walking about in confusion, having already lost his composure.
“No, I must find out his background; I can’t rest easy without knowing. I need someone to probe him!”
…
“Guest Senior, how did you manage to make him not recognize you?”
Qian Miaoyu asked curiously.
“It’s simple because I understand his character.”
Zhou Tong smiled: “He is a person who is both cautious and arrogant; once he identifies an opponent, he will use every means to crush them.”
“In contrast, those he looks down on will be completely disregarded, even too lazy to remember their appearance.”
“Clearly, he has never regarded me seriously!”
“Well done, Guest Senior! You were able to grasp his character in just one meeting; I deeply admire you!”
Qian Miaoyu flattered without reserve, unaware that things were far from simple.
Just moments ago, Zhou Tong had used his spiritual power to cloud Zhao Wutian’s perception, causing him to subconsciously separate the inconsequential Zhou Tong from the terrifying Guest Senior.
From then on, he would perceive Zhou Tong and the Guest Senior as two different individuals; even if Zhou Tong stood next to the portrait, he wouldn’t notice anything unusual.
After returning to the palace, Qian Miaoyu transformed back into the imposing Empress, while Zhou Tong was arranged in the luxurious Guest Senior Mansion within the palace, enjoying great respect.
It is believed that before the night was over, news of Zhou Tong becoming a Guest Senior would spread throughout the entire imperial capital.
…
As night fell, in the Grand Preceptor Mansion.
Zhao Wutian’s face was ashen, kneeling before him was a young man, clearly a Strong Warrior at the Heaven-Cutting Realm.
“Kill this person for me; if you fail the task, then just die.”
With that, he handed over Zhou Tong’s portrait.
